by Silas Boahene | May 22, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
In a heartwarming moment following Bayer Leverkusen’s recent league triumph, key player Jeremie Frimpong shared a heartfelt celebration with his mother on the pitch. Beaming with pride, Frimpong and his mother captivated the cheering crowd with an impromptu dance, marking a memorable highlight of the post-match festivities.
Fans erupted in cheers as the defender, whose impressive performances have been crucial to the team’s success this season, invited his mother onto the field to share the special moment. Clad in a Leverkusen jersey, his mother joyfully showcased her dance moves alongside her son.
Jeremie Frimpong has been one of the standout stars in Bayer Leverkusen’s stellar season. The Dutch international made 31 appearances for the unbeaten German side, contributing nine goals and seven assists. His explosive play at right wing-back was instrumental in helping Leverkusen end their Bundesliga title drought this season.
by Silas Boahene | May 22, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Black Stars defender Abdul Baba Rahman has expressed his joy after winning the Greek Super League title in his debut season with PAOK Thessaloniki. PAOK secured the 2023-2024 championship by defeating Aris 2-1 in the Greek Super League Playoff finals, finishing two points ahead of second-placed AEK Athens.
Throughout the playoffs, the former Chelsea FC player made significant contributions, playing in nine games, scoring one goal, and providing one assist. During the regular season, Rahman featured in 19 league games, scoring four goals and registering two assists, making him one of PAOK’s top performers. His season was briefly marred by a health scare when he collapsed on the pitch after an aerial challenge, but he recovered to finish the campaign strongly.
Reacting to a video highlighting his impressive season, the former Kumasi Asante Kotoko SC player stated on his X (formerly Twitter) page, “This is just the beginning.”
Rahman’s successful 2023-2024 season saw him decline an invitation to compete in the 2023 AFCON with Ghana’s National Men’s Football Team, opting instead to focus on his club career with PAOK.
by Silas Boahene | May 22, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah has been named in England’s provisional squad for the 2024 Euros by manager Gareth Southgate. The 21-year-old, eligible to play for Ghana, England, Scotland, and Barbados, has chosen to represent England after accepting the call-up.
This marks Quansah’s first inclusion in the Three Lions squad following an impressive debut season with Liverpool in the English Premier League. He spent the previous season on loan at Bristol Rovers. In 17 league appearances, Quansah scored two goals and contributed to Liverpool’s Carabao Cup victory.
Quansah is one of the surprising additions to the 30-man provisional squad, which will be reduced to 26 players for the championship starting on June 14 in Germany. Liverpool teammate Curtis Jones, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, and Chelsea center-back Levi Colwill also received invitations.
Notable omissions from Southgate’s provisional squad include Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, and Jadon Sancho.
by Silas Boahene | May 22, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Ghana, International
Ghana’s boxing gold medalist, Mohammed Amadu, has expressed his determination to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics as he aims for a final slot at the upcoming second world qualifying tournament in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 19-year-old recently secured Ghana’s third gold medal in boxing at the African Games in the featherweight division at the Bukom Boxing Arena. Amadu is confident in his ability to qualify for the Paris Games, having already achieved significant success for Ghana.
Reflecting on his African Games victory, Amadu said, “During the African Games, I knew I would win the gold. But my real determination is for the Olympic Games because I know what I can do. I reached the quarter-finals at the World Championship last year, one of only three African boxers to do so. According to my coach, no Ghanaian has reached the quarter-finals in the World Championship before. This shows we are ready to qualify.”
Joining Amadu (Featherweight-57Kg) in Bangkok will be Theophilus Kpakpo Allotey (Flyweight-51kg), Joseph Commey (Light Welterweight-63.5Kg), Henry Malm (Light Middleweight-71Kg), and Mark Kodjovi Ahondjo (Super Heavyweight-92Kg+). US-based Ornella Sathoud (Middleweight-75Kg) will also compete in the women’s category.
After unsuccessful attempts in Senegal and Italy, the Black Bombers will have another opportunity in Bangkok to secure their places for the global event.
by Silas Boahene | May 22, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah has suggested he will remain at Liverpool next season following the appointment of Arne Slot as the club’s new manager. Liverpool previously rejected a ÂŁ150 million offer from Al-Ittihad for the 31-year-old last September, and he has been linked again with a move to Saudi Arabia.
Salah scored 25 goals in 44 games across all competitions this season, with the League Cup being the only trophy won in Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign as manager. On social media, Salah affirmed his commitment to striving for more silverware next season, stating, “We know that trophies are what count and we will do everything possible to make that happen next season. Our fans deserve it and we will fight like hell.”
With one year remaining on his contract, Salah’s future was further speculated upon after Al-Ittihad’s bid was declined, with Saudi Pro League’s director of football Michael Emenalo suggesting the door remains open for the Egyptian star. Notable players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Riyad Mahrez have moved to Saudi Arabia in the past 18 months.
Salah also expressed gratitude towards Klopp, who led Liverpool to the Champions League and Club World Cup in 2019 and the Premier League title in 2019-20, posting, “It was great sharing all those trophies and experiences with you over the past seven years. I wish you the best of luck for the future and hope we meet again.”
Despite a public disagreement with Klopp during a match against West Ham, which Klopp later said was “completely resolved,” Salah’s 18 league goals this season were his lowest since joining Liverpool from Roma in 2017. The team finished third in the Premier League, nine points behind champions Manchester City.
